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Choosing a budget performance tire is harder than finding the right size. You also need the correct load rating, dependable wet-road behavior, acceptable road noise, and a warranty that fits how long you plan to keep the car. The Ironman iMove Gen 2 AS in 245/40ZR18XL is an entry-level ultra-high-performance all-season tire built for everyday drivers who value price and predictable road manners over premium grip. This review explains its current verified specifications, real-world strengths, fit limits, and winter drawbacks so you can decide whether it belongs on your car.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 7.2/10, recommended with caveats
Best For: Budget-focused drivers who need a 245/40ZR18XL 97W all-season tire for commuting and normal highway use.
Bottom Line: You get an asymmetric tread, useful wet-road water evacuation, a 40,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, and a competitive entry-level design. You give up the stronger cold-weather traction, sharper braking feel, and refined road manners available from more expensive alternatives.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Verified Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ironman |
| Model | iMove Gen 2 AS |
| Manufacturer item number | 93021 |
| Product type | Entry-level UHP all-season passenger tire |
| Current listed size | 245/40ZR18XL |
| Load index / speed rating | 97W |
| Load range | XL, Extra Load |
| Sidewall | Black wall |
| Tread design | Asymmetric, M+S-rated all-season design |
| UTQG | 380 A A |
| Tread depth | 10.3/32 inch |
| Approved rim-width range | 8.0 to 9.5 inches |
| Maximum load | 1,609 pounds at 50 PSI cold |
| Overall width | 9.76 inches |
| Overall diameter | 25.71 inches |
| Listed tire weight | 24.43 pounds |
| Limited treadwear warranty | 40,000 miles, subject to warranty terms |
| Additional coverage | Road-hazard coverage up to two years or the first 50% of tread life, plus a 60-month workmanship and materials policy in the United States and Canada, subject to exclusions |
Before You Buy: Several marketplace copies of this listing still show 98W, 12/32-inch tread depth, or 10-ply construction. Ironman’s current specification for item 93021 is 245/40ZR18XL 97W with 10.3/32-inch tread depth, and the official table does not list a ply rating. Confirm the sidewall, load index, seller quantity, and production date before installation.
What Is the Ironman iMove Gen 2 AS?
The iMove Gen 2 AS is Ironman’s entry-level ultra-high-performance all-season tire for passenger cars. Its 245/40ZR18XL version targets sedans, coupes, and other vehicles that use an 18-inch performance-oriented fitment. It is sold as a single tire unless the seller clearly states a set quantity.
Ironman uses an asymmetric tread pattern, a wear-resistant compound, and an advanced pressure-distribution concept. Circumferential and longitudinal grooves move water away from the contact patch, while the tread-block geometry and siping aim to balance grip, even wear, and road-noise control.
This is still a value tire. It suits normal commuting, highway travel, and moderate driving better than track use, repeated hard braking, or severe winter duty.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Drivers whose vehicle placard or approved replacement guide permits 245/40ZR18XL 97W.
- Commuters who want an affordable all-season UHP tire with a 40,000-mile limited treadwear warranty.
- Owners who value wet-road water evacuation and predictable daily handling more than premium steering response.
Skip If
- Your vehicle requires a load index higher than 97 or a different approved size.
- You regularly drive on packed snow, ice, or roads that call for a dedicated winter tire.
- You want premium wet braking, sharp turn-in, or repeated high-load performance driving.
Fit and Compatibility
The size code matters more than the wheel diameter alone. A car with 18-inch wheels does not automatically accept a 245/40ZR18 tire. Confirm the complete size, load index, speed rating, and XL requirement on the driver-door placard, owner’s manual, or an approved tire-fitment guide.
The official rim-width range is 8.0 to 9.5 inches. The tire measures about 25.71 inches in overall diameter and 9.76 inches in overall width, but mounted dimensions can vary slightly with rim width and operating conditions. Clearance, wheel offset, suspension changes, and staggered fitments also affect compatibility.
The current manufacturer specification is 97W XL. Do not substitute it where your vehicle requires a 98 load index or greater unless the vehicle or tire manufacturer approves the change.
Tread Design and Build
The asymmetric tread is designed to balance dry-road response with wet and light all-season traction. Grooves and sipes create drainage paths and additional biting edges across the tread face. The 380 A A UTQG grade places the design in a performance-focused value category rather than a long-mile touring category.
Ironman lists a wear-resistant compound and pressure-distribution design intended to support even wear. Those features help only when alignment, inflation, rotation, and suspension condition are correct. A low-profile 40-series tire can still wear quickly if the vehicle has excess camber, poor toe alignment, or frequent hard acceleration.
Dry, Wet, and Cold-Weather Performance
Dry Roads
For normal city and highway speeds, the iMove Gen 2 AS should provide the predictable response expected from an entry-level UHP all-season tire. The wide 245-millimeter section and asymmetric block layout support stable cornering, but the tire is not positioned as a premium max-performance option.
Wet Roads
Wet traction is one of the design’s clearer strengths. Circumferential and longitudinal grooves help evacuate water and reduce hydroplaning risk. You still need to slow down in standing water because tread design cannot overcome excessive speed, worn tread, or poor inflation.
Light Snow and Cold Conditions
Ironman identifies the tire as M+S-rated all-season equipment. That makes it suitable for mild year-round use, but it does not make it a dedicated winter tire. Drivers who regularly face ice, packed snow, or long periods below freezing should compare purpose-built winter or severe-snow-rated options.
What Buyers Report
The customer comments summarized in the original article were mixed but practical. Positive remarks focused on value, straightforward mounting, and acceptable daily behavior. Critical remarks focused on reduced cold grip, limited ice traction, and weaker performance during aggressive braking or spirited driving.
Those comments match the product’s market position. It can make sense as an affordable replacement, but you should not judge it by the standards of a premium summer tire or a dedicated winter tire.
Overall Sentiment: Neutral
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Asymmetric tread supports balanced wet and dry daily handling.
- Circumferential and longitudinal grooves help move water away from the contact area.
- XL construction provides the current 97 load index for compatible vehicles.
- 40,000-mile limited treadwear coverage adds value for a budget tire.
- Wide 8.0-to-9.5-inch approved rim range supports several compatible wheel setups.
Cons
- Not intended to replace a dedicated winter tire for ice or deep snow.
- Current official 97W specification may not meet vehicles that require 98W or higher.
- Entry-level construction will not deliver the braking feel or cornering precision of premium UHP alternatives.
How It Performs in Real Use
Daily Commuting
The tire’s main appeal is ordinary transportation. Its tread design should feel stable during lane changes, urban turns, and routine braking when the tire is correctly fitted and inflated. Low-profile tires can transmit more impact harshness than taller touring sizes, so ride comfort will also depend on the car and wheel setup.
Highway Driving
The W speed rating and XL service description support compatible performance-oriented passenger cars, but the rating is not permission to exceed legal or safe speeds. Proper balance matters because vibration becomes more noticeable with an 18-inch, 40-series fitment.
Heavy Rain
The groove layout is designed to clear water, which is useful during steady rain. As tread wears, water capacity falls, so inspect tread depth and reduce speed before hydroplaning becomes a concern.
Occasional Cold or Light Snow
The M+S all-season design can handle limited cold-weather use better than a summer-only tire. It remains a compromise, and you should switch to suitable winter equipment when your climate regularly brings ice, packed snow, or sustained freezing temperatures.
Installation and Safety Notes
Professional mounting and balancing are the safest choice. Ask the installer to confirm the sidewall size and service description before mounting, inspect the wheel for bends or cracks, use a new valve service kit when appropriate, and torque the wheel fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification.
Use the cold tire pressure listed on your vehicle’s door placard or owner’s manual. The tire’s 50 PSI figure is its listed maximum-load pressure, not a universal recommendation for your car.
Replacing all four tires together gives the most consistent grip. If you replace fewer than four, keep the same approved size, load index, and speed rating, and have a tire professional follow the vehicle manufacturer’s guidance. On all-wheel-drive vehicles, even small circumference differences can matter.
Pro Tip: Photograph the new tire’s full sidewall before installation. That gives you a record of the size, 97W XL service description, DOT date code, and model name if the marketplace title later changes.
Maintenance and Expected Wear
Check pressure monthly when the tires are cold and before long trips. Inspect for cuts, bulges, uneven shoulder wear, vibration, or repeated pressure loss. A TPMS warning is not a replacement for regular gauge checks.
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s rotation pattern and interval. Rotation options may be limited on staggered wheel setups, and an asymmetric tire must remain mounted with the correct side facing outward. Alignment and balance checks are worthwhile if you notice steering pull, vibration, cupping, or one-sided wear.
The 40,000-mile limited treadwear warranty is useful, but actual life depends on alignment, inflation, driving style, climate, rotation records, and warranty eligibility. Keep installation and service receipts if you may need to make a claim.
Is It Worth the Price?
The iMove Gen 2 AS sits in the budget tier. It offers strong value for the price when your priorities are correct fit, useful wet-road design, everyday handling, and manufacturer-backed treadwear coverage.
It is a smart buy for normal use only when the 97W XL specification meets your vehicle’s requirements. It is not the best fit if you need premium braking, refined noise control, severe-winter traction, or a higher load index.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The newer Ironman iMove Gen 3 AS is the closest same-brand alternative. Ironman positions it for higher-horsepower cars with updated tread geometry, more siping, and improved wet and snow traction. It is worth comparing when the price difference is modest and the correct size is available.
The General G-MAX AS-07 targets a higher performance tier with wet and dry braking, snow-traction development, wear indicators, and a 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty. The Kumho Ecsta PA51 is another all-season performance line to compare when it is offered in your approved fitment. Both may cost more, but they deserve consideration when braking feel, winter capability, or long-term refinement matters more than the lowest purchase cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tire 97W or 98W?
Ironman’s current specification for item 93021 is 245/40ZR18XL 97W. Some marketplace titles and copied product fields still show 98W, so confirm the sidewall and seller details before mounting.
Will it fit any car with 18-inch wheels?
No. Your vehicle must support the complete 245/40ZR18 size, 97 load index, W speed rating, XL construction, and an appropriate rim width. Check the door placard, owner’s manual, and a professional fitment guide.
Is the iMove Gen 2 AS good in snow?
It is an M+S-rated all-season tire intended for mild year-round use. It is not the right choice for regular ice, packed snow, or severe winter conditions where a dedicated winter tire is safer.
Can you replace only one tire?
A single replacement can create tread-depth and grip differences. Ask a tire professional to match the approved size and service description, measure the remaining tires, and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s guidance, especially on all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Should you inflate it to 50 PSI?
Not automatically. Use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold pressure from the driver-door placard or owner’s manual. The 50 PSI figure is tied to the tire’s maximum-load specification.
Does it include a mileage warranty?
Ironman lists a 40,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, road-hazard protection for up to two years or the first 50% of tread life, and a 60-month workmanship and materials policy. Coverage applies under stated terms and exclusions in the United States and Canada.
Is the iMove Gen 3 AS a better choice?
The Gen 3 is the newer same-brand design and adds updated tread blocks and siping aimed at wet, dry, and snow performance. Compare the exact size, service description, warranty, and total installed cost rather than assuming every Gen 3 listing fits.
Who should skip this tire?
Skip it when your car requires more than a 97 load index, you regularly drive in severe winter weather, or you expect premium UHP braking and steering precision. A fitment mismatch is a safety issue, not a minor compromise.
Why Drivers Choose It
Drivers choose the iMove Gen 2 AS because it covers a common performance fitment at a budget-friendly level while retaining an asymmetric all-season tread, XL construction, and manufacturer warranty support. Its strongest case is simple: correct-fit daily transportation with reasonable wet-road design and fewer premium-price features.
The Bottom Line
The Ironman iMove Gen 2 AS is worth considering when you need a verified 245/40ZR18XL 97W tire for commuting, highway travel, and mild all-season use. Its water-evacuating tread and warranty support are useful strengths, but drivers who need a higher load index, severe-winter traction, or premium performance should skip it.
Ready to Buy?
Confirm the sidewall specification, seller quantity, and current product details before you decide.
